Creating high-tech ‘agropreneurs’ through education and skills development

Abstract

Under current population growth and demographic trends–with food demand projected to increase by 60%–70% by 2050–another quantum leap in food production and disruptive change in agricultural and food systems are needed in Asia. Certainly, the Green Revolution and other technological advances enormously improved agricultural productivity on the region’s farms. But to fully benefit from an infusion of advanced knowledge and high technologies, agricultural workforces need ‘Industry 4.0’ skills, but for now are falling short. This paper argues that investing in education and skills development to create a new breed of ‘agropreneurs’ in Asian developing countries is crucial.